Martin de PorresFoundation Unique to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Martin de Porres Foundation provides funding for many of the educational endeavors initiated in the interest of African American/Black Catholics.

Drawn by Love, Sent on Fire

November 27, 2017

Janice Paige
St. Athanasius Catholic Church

On Saturday, October 21, 2017, Twelve Hundred Fifty (1250) women attended the 2017 Catholic Women’s Conference at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, PA. Women from across the country were present for this national event with the goal to be inspired and to be lit on fire for our faith.

We were blessed to have a wonderful full day conference, starting with a welcome greeting from Archbishop Chaput. This was followed by beautiful praise and worship music led by recording artist, Amanda Vernon.

The theme of the Conference was Drawn by Love, Sent on Fire. Several dynamic speakers inspired us to live our faith with renewed confidence and commitment. Kelly Wahlquist (Catholic author and founder of WINE: Women in the New Evangelization) spoke on why the Church needs women who are on fire with the love of God, who’ve been transformed by love of Jesus and who are eager to spread the good news. I had the chance to speak with her. She was personable and faith-filled. She was so delighted that this was my second year attending and that 18 other women from my church came with me that she wanted to take a picture with me and my attendee list! Other speakers shared their personal stories and journeys that led them to Christ and how He has sustained them through good and bad times. They were joyful stories that made us laugh and, sometimes, cry.

There were several vendors who educated us about various organizations and services that witness for our Catholic faith, including Dr. Monique Ruberu, local Coordinator of the 40 Days for Life Movement. We had the opportunity to go to Confession as well as Adoration. In addition, there were prayer teams available to us.

The day ended with Mass celebrated by Bishop John McIntyre. It was a wonderful, spirit-filled experience that I feel all women should attend to empower themselves to go forth and evangelize for the Church in the name of Jesus. The Church needs us.